How Liquor Liability Can Affect Your Claim After You Were Hit By A Drunk Driver
How Liquor Liability Can Affect Your Claim After You Were Hit By A Drunk Driver
During the holidays there are parties and other gatherings that often involve alcohol. Despite all the warnings about drinking and driving, there are drivers who still get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Dram Shop Statute
While you can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver who was driving drunk, you may also have a claim against the host or business who served the intoxicated driver. Washington State has a dram shop statute that indicates any business that sells alcoholic drinks or any host who serves alcohol to an individual who is already affected by alcohol consumption could face statutory violations including a fine of as much as $500 plus they can face a civil suit from the injured parties.
This law was enacted to help keep drunk drivers off the road. Those who are already affected by alcohol consumption shouldn’t be served more so they can leave and be involved in an accident. Hosts, servers, and bartenders must assess an individual to determine if they have had enough to drink, and if they see that they have had more than enough to drink they are to stop serving them.
Business or Host Liability
If you or a family member has suffered injuries because of a drunk driver, you can pursue civil action against the business, such as a restaurant, pub, or bar, for endangering you or your loved one by allowing an intoxicated patron to leave their business and operate a vehicle.
You may be able to recover compensation for your losses from that business and their insurer. Any business that serves alcohol can be held responsible if their employees serve underage patrons or intoxicated customers. To succeed with your claim, you must prove that the business had reason to know that they were either intoxicated or underage.
Consult With A Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you should enlist the help of a personal injury attorney. The Harlan Law Firm will investigate the accident and determine what happened prior to the crash. By tracing the steps of the drunk driver, your lawyer can determine where the driver was served and then determine liability. Get a free case review by calling Harlan Law Firm today.
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